Dhaka University (DU) authorities have temporarily suspended three students for six months on allegations of making “obscene, distasteful, and derogatory comments” about religion on social media.
Dhaka University Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed the matter to TIMES of Bangladesh on Thursday. He informed that letters regarding the expulsion order were sent to the respective departments of the accused students last Monday.
This expulsion order has been issued initially based on the recommendation of the Discipline Committee. During the period of the expulsion order, they will not be able to participate in any academic activity.
Among the suspended, Md Abu Sayem, a student of the 2019-20 academic year in the Bengali Department, is accused of making “derogatory comments” about religion. The Dhaka University administration stated that his comments amounted to disrespect towards Hinduism.
The authorities have described his actions as a “heinous offense” and amounting to “religious disrespect”.
On the other hand, Mehtazur Rahman, a student of the 30th batch of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), and his associate Tasnia Islam are accused of promoting content involving “religious disrespect” and “misogyny” on social media.
Students Shahil Mahmud Raktim and Sajid Rahman from the same batch submitted a written complaint to the Proctor regarding this matter. The university authorities have also considered their activities as a “heinous offense”.
The proctor’s office stated, “Such incidents by university students have tarnished the security and dignity of DU and are contrary to university law and discipline. The university administration has taken strict action to maintain discipline in this situation arising from derogatory and hateful activities concerning various religions and women.”
